Reports: Expect Word of Super Puma Follow-On

Look for Airbus Helicopters to announce plans for a new heavy helicopter, according to reports at the Paris Air Show. The Reuters news service says the manufacturer is expected tomorrow to announce development studies for the H225 Super Puma follow-on. Other reports said the new aircraft program could be launched later this year or in early 2016, with the first helicopters fielded in the early 2020s. Reuters said the advance comes with resolution of a dispute between Airbus and the French government over funding for the X6 project.